12-16-09 Inner Circle

The next Inner Circle will be sent Wednesday, January 6th, 2010. Many companies are shut down for inventory and vacations during this time span. Here is our schedule for the office.

We will be closed on December 24th and 25th for Christmas.

We will be closed on December 31st for New Years.

However, you can place any orders online during those days. Orders will be processed the following business day after the holiday.

We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Kirban Performance.

MEMORIES OF CHRISTMASES PAST -

A fond memory from my childhood revolves around "Frosty the Snowman." My first memories of our family Frosty started when I was about 8 or 9 years old. Each year Frosty would come out of his original box from the basement and spend a few weeks by our freshly cut Christmas tree. As the years passed. Frosty would always make his annual Christmas appearance.

In the late 1990s my parents announced that they were going to sell their house and move to a smaller house. The question was asked of us kids, what did we want from the old homestead? My oldest sister didn't want to blurt out anything because she didn't want my parents to think she couldn't wait for them to move so she could get some of their stuff. I, on the other hand, remembered the old adage, "He who hesitates is lost" and blurted out that I wanted Frosty.

Frosty now has a few cracks from age and a melted area from having too high a wattage bulb at one time. His original box is long gone, but Frosty now lives on at our house. Unlike years past, he stays in clear view year round in my office as a constant reminder of my youth and Christmases past.

PHOTO 1 - The photo on the left shows good old Frosty on our living room wall for the Christmas season. The photo on the right shows my oldest sister, Doreen and me with Frosty behind us. It's probably the only Christmas related item that has survived from our growing up years.

As a young boy growing up during the 1950s (which was before the electronics age), trains were the big thing at Christmas. Lionel scale and HO scale where the two major formats.

We always had a 4 by 8 plywood platform that my Dad would start to set up after Thanksgiving that featured HO trains. Every year he would add a few new cars and trains to it.

PHOTO 2 - Shows the oldest train engine from my youth (probably from the 1950s). I can remember hand painting those colors when I was about 9 or 10 years old. I recently unwrapped it from its hibernation in newspaper that was dated 1981 - the last time it saw the sunlight. It now occupies a permanent place in my office, so it is now on display all year round.

PHOTO 3 - Shows this train set added to a special display in my home office. It sits in front of a special 60th birthday gift from our son - a Grand National replicar with a mirrored wall. The replicar is actually go-cart size and cut down the middle. It sits against the mirrored wall and actually looks like a whole car because of the reflection.

Frosty and that train set bring back fond Christmas childhood memories.

By the way, if you would like to read more about "Frosty," I'm adding the old "Kirban Side of the Road" article we did years ago - December 2000 - to the end of this Inner Circle.

MY LUCKY DAY -

Recently I traded in one of our cars for another used car. The dealership was about 50 miles away. When I car shop, I usually look at 4 or 5 of the same color cars. Then I pick out the best one and try to get the best trade-in offer for the car I am trading in. Because of our business of making parts for various cars, I trade cars frequently.

As I was doing the paperwork for this latest car, the salesman happen to mention that I was entitled to pick any red envelope from their Christmas tree in the showroom. Each envelope contained a dollar amount, anywhere from $50 to $1,000. I figured most envelopes would have $50 to $100 in them.

The dealership gave the option of a Gift Certificate for the Target Department Store or they would deduct that amount won from the cost of the car.

I eyed up the Christmas tree and noticed they had a long pole handy in case I wanted an envelope near the top of the tree. I figured most people would probably go for the top thinking the higher amounts would be the tougher to reach envelopes. Instead I chose a lower red envelope. Imagine my surprise when I opened it and it revealed $500. I can't recall ever winning anything of any substantial amount in the past, so this was a pleasant surprise. Especially, since I was able to get the dealer down $1200 over two-days of negotiating. I also got them to switch the tires and wheels with another of their used cars.

PHOTO 4 - Shows the Christmas tree in the car dealership that held all the red envelopes. It was unusual that even the sale of a used car qualified the buyer for picking a red envelope from the tree.

NOW AVAILABLE - A PIECE OF TOP FUEL DRAGSTER RACING HISTORY -

Here is a chance to own an actual piece of Top Fuel Racing History from the man ranked #1 with 144 national wins under his belt - Don Garlits.

*SPECIAL PRICES are for a limited time. We will offer special prices for our Turbo Buick customers before we market them to the Hemi market.

Here is a link to these Don Garlits autographed items on our web site:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products.php?search_text=7253&submit_button=

NEW PRODUCTS -

Here's an excellent new rear motor brace to help firm up the bracing on your car.

1984-1987 Turbo Regal -
REAR MOTOR BRACE

This rear motor brace is custom made by RJC Racing, home of the 2002-2003-2004 GS Nationals TSM Class Winner.

The brace was designed and manufactured by Jason in billet steel, and then powder coated black. The unique design allows the load of the motor to be on the rear of the engine, instead of the narrowest point by the engine mounts.

It is designed to support the block in high HP applications and to help the motor stay in place during hard acceleration and high-load situations. This simple device bolts into existing holes. It is very effective and does not transmit vibration into the driver's/passenger side compartment.

In an extreme test, they used a Turbo Regal with bad motor mounts. With 2 lbs of boost, the motor shifted by about 4 inches. With no other changes (other than installing this adjustable rear motor brace) at 10 lbs of boost, the motor barely moved a 1/4 of an inch.

There is no vibration felt with this system, because of the rubber snubber at the one point. It is totally adjustable, so you can make it even stiffer for race conditions yet be totally streetable. This rear motor brace will also cut down on false knock sensor readings and puts less stress on the factory engine mounts. Since it is powder coated black, it will not rust.

This 1984-1987 Turbo Regal rear motor brace comes with all the necessary hardware and instructions.

An excellent upgrade to cure the problem of engine movement under acceleration.

7258 - 1984-1987 Turbo Regal -
Rear Motor Brace $99.95

Here is a link to the Rear Motor Brace on our web site:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43761/REAR+MOTOR+BRACE+%237258.html

Here's a neat Stock Replacement Rear End Cover that TA Performance has produced that we are now selling.

Here is a link to the Rear End Cover on our web site:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/43760/STOCK+REPLACEMENT+REAR+END+COVER%2C+GASKET+%26+HARDWARE+%237252.html

ALWAYS IN A BUYING POSITION -

Got any Turbo parts you are not using? Why not cash them in for parts you need with a Letter of Credit or cash for the upcoming holidays? Simply email me a list - denniskirban@yahoo.com - Also we are still buying dead or partially dead 1984-1987 Turbo Regals under $4,000 that are within 250 to 350 miles of our location.

GM PARTS UPDATE -

It appears that the GM supply of the factory 1986-1987 GM factory original molded boost line kits are dwindling and may already have disappeared from GM's warehouses inventory. We currently have a decent supply of them.

This is a very critical part, for any 1986-1987 Turbo Regal, since it is needed to control boost. They have 3 specially formed hoses with a special size diameter T in between two of the molded hoses. These also have the GM wording on them. Over a period of time, heat can cause the hoses to swell and crack. While they last, we have them available for $44.95, Part #6644. Supplies are limited.

Here is a link to the Boost Line Kit on our web site:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/product/160/GM+Factory+Original+BOOST+LINE+KIT+%236644.html

KIRBAN PERFORMANCE CLOSE-OUT PARTS -

We have the 1986-1987 Turbo Regal - GM Air Flow Duct (from turbo to MAF sensor), Part #6536 in stock for $61.95. Just a few left now. Order now - because the price will be increased in 2010.

We also have a very limited supply left of brand new 1984-1987 Turbo Regal cam sensors at $165 each.

We still have a few brand new GM right hand side marker lights with the blackout package. This is the market light that attaches to the side of your headlight bezels. Price is $61.95

If you are interested in any of these parts, you MUST call our office to purchase it. Some of these close out items are just about gone from the GM parts system.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT OUR CHRISTMAS SPECIALS -

Our Christmas Specials offer runs out THIS FRIDAY! Be sure to take advantage of the items you want.

We have a total of 22 different Christmas Specials available until Friday, December 18, 2009. They can be found on our website home page. Time will soon run out.

Here is a link to the Christmas Specials on our web site:
http://www.kirbanperformance.com/products/29/CHRISTMAS+SPECIALS+2009.html

GREAT NEWS ON THE GNX EXHAUST SYSTEM -

We are happy to announce the GNX exhaust system is in the final stages of production. Richard Clark has made a jig to check each system prior to shipping. He has recently bought some equipment so he can expand the pipes, so each system is a slip fit when the end consumer gets it.

The system is all mandrel bent using 304 stainless, and will include the center-to-center mufflers and clamps. This system is all 2-1/2 inch and will outflow the factory GM system.

Each system will come with easy-to-follow directions and will be drop shipped directly from North Carolina.

Final costs and pricing is almost ready, and we will be offering a special introductory prices. We will be making it available to other wholesale suppliers as well.

CALENDER OF EVENTS
2010 UPCOMING BUICK RELATED EVENTS -

NOTE - If you know of a GM or Buick Turbo event for next year, let us know and we can post it in our weekly Turbo Regal Inner Circle so our members are aware of the event.

The best way to stay informed with the show season is to check out the various Turbo Buick forums.

2010 UPCOMING BUICK RELATED EVENTS -

Looking ahead into next Spring 2010, the first Turbo Buick event of the season will be the first ever "turbobuick.com Nationals." The dates are March 15-20, 2010 in Burlington, NC area.

For more information on this March event, click on the thread - http://www.turbobuick.com/forums/national-racing-events-info/292319-2010-turbobuick-com-nationals.html
- Or, you can email Clint Adkins at - sydwyndr@triad.rr.com

For up-to-date information and motels for the 2010 GS Nationals, go to their web site - http://www.gsnationals.com

"Light Your Fire" - 2010 Buick Performance Group Nationals - July 30th - August 1st, 2010 at the National Trail Raceway in Hebron OH (near Columbus). They want to gather together the largest number of 1969-1974 factory Stage1 cars anyone has ever seen since the Buick muscle car days of Flint.

This is a special event that may never come to pass again, so don't miss the factory "Stage1 Convention" at the 2010 Buick Performance Group National Event. For more info, go to - http://www.buickperformancegroup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8754

NOTE - If you know of a GM or Buick Turbo event, let us know and we can post it in our weekly Turbo Regal Inner Circle so our members are aware of the event.

EBAY LISTINGS -

If you would like to see any Kirban Performance Products items listed on eBay, here is a link to our store and auctions -
http://stores.ebay.com/Kirban-Performance-Products-Inc_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZ km

ABOUT OUR EMAILS -

Any inquiries concerning used parts, you must email me direct - denniskirban@yahoo.com - I will answer you. However, if I fail to answer you within 24 hours, please email us again. Since expanding into used parts, I get a lot of emails and sometimes I may forget your request or not remember who requested the item.

IN CLOSING -

Hoping all your Christmas shopping is done early!

Here's that old Kirban Side of the Road article from December 2000 about Frosty...

In keeping with the Christmas season, I asked my sister Doreen Frick to write a story about a holiday family memory we both share...

The Story of "Frosty" the Snowman - The Frosty Fiasco...

After 15 years in the same house, my husband and I were preparing to move. Wes was delegated to the cellar to measure and box up tools, while I began my serious scaling down process upstairs in the comfort of our living room. I started sorting through my treasure boxes first. My definition of a treasure box is probably different than others because for me it wasn't the box that was valuable, it was its contents. Inside each cardboard archive was a year's worth of memories.

So each night for two glorious weeks I looked at old photos, sports clippings, report cards, and letters from people I loved the most. It was the perfect end to some very cold January evenings. I remembered how my mom handled her scale down procedure when she and dad moved into an apartment. She had my dad send us our old boxes of memories.

But there was one thing from my childhood I really wanted and didn't get. He was about three feet high, had a black top hat, and yes, a button nose. Every December he graced my childhood living room with a warm and friendly glow. I knew when Frosty came out of his box, I could count on Christmas coming soon. Frosty had a prominent place in the corner of our living room by the sofa that faced our Christmas tree.

I used to sit beside him while Dad and my brother, Dennis fished around for the lights that worked and Mom wrapped gifts behind closed doors. When all the cousins came for turkey dinner, Frosty was the guest of honor as he watched us open gifts and play with the new train set, while we stuffed ourselves with a stocking's worth of candy. I always hated to see Frosty get put away in the basement on New Year's Day. I wanted him to stay in the living room all year long.

And that's exactly what I intended to do with him when I heard mom ask us kids what we wanted from the old homestead. But I didn't want to blurt anything out because I didn't want Mom to think I couldn't wait for them to move so I could get their stuff. There's an old quote my dad used to say when he was merging in traffic that is applicable here, "He who hesitates is lost." My brother Dennis uses that same phrase even to this day. I should have applied that tidbit of wisdom to secure my bid for old Frosty.

In my brief moment of hesitation I heard a voice from across the dining room table shout, "I know what I want!" And I knew Frosty was going to the fastest bidder, but then Dennis, being in the car buying and selling business, has had more practice at this art form than I have.

And I know he never realized until then that I, too had strong ties to the lovable old snowman from our past. I am consoled by one thing, at least Frosty went to a good home. And he never again has to stand in his dark box in the cellar waiting for another Christmas to come. Dennis sends me pictures of him all lit up and smiling beside his fireplace. Who says you can't have Christmas all year long?

Doreen Frick

The above was penned by my sister Doreen, who is seven years younger than me. The story is true... of everything in the house that my parents were deciding would not be going to their new location, Frosty was number one on my list. I can first remember Frosty back when I was around seven years old. For some reason he has withstood the ravages of time by being carefully stored in his original box. Unfortunately, he does have a few age cracks in the plastic, but his expression remains unchanged.

Although I beat my sister out for this heirloom, she knows if she manages to outlive me, she is next in line to have him. Frosty adorns our living room every Christmas and now our 2-year-old (She will be 11 on December 29th 2009) granddaughter Devyn is enjoying his glow on her recent visits. Some years I even manage to let him stay in the corner of our living room past January. He's definitely a fond personal remembrance from my Christmases past.